Music Education
UAB's Graduate Music Education program consists of a Master of Arts in Education (MAEd) degree in Arts Education for teaching Music (choral and instrumental). This MAEd in Music leads to teacher certification from the Alabama State Department of Education for teaching choral and instrumental music in grades P-12. It consists of an alternative track for teachers seeking initial teacher certification and a traditional track for certified teachers seeking advanced certification.
The Arts Education program in Music is housed in the Department of Curriculum and Instruction (School of Education) and is implemented in collaboration with the Music Department (College of Arts and Sciences). This program's first purpose is to train educators in meeting the evolving needs of learners in grades P-12 within today's rapidly changing society. Its second purpose is to deliver cutting-edge instruction through a standards-based, inquiry-focused approach that prepares educators to use state-of-the-art instructional strategies in their own classrooms. Its third purpose is to ensure that a quality program is available to pre-service within commuting distance of UAB and to in-service teachers across the state of Alabama.
Prospective students should contact the Program Director, Dr. Susan Spezzini, at spezzini@uab.edu (205-934-8357), or the Chair of the Department of Curriculum and Instruction, Dr. Kathleen Clark, at kclark5@uab.edu (205-996-8786), or the Education Coordinator in the Music Department, Dr. Cara Morantz, at morantz@uab.edu (205-996-5827).
For detailed information regarding admission requirements for the School of Education and Human Sciences graduate programs, please visit the Admissions Requirements website at https://www.uab.edu/education/studentservices/admission-requirements.
Master of Arts in Education in Arts Education with a Music Education Concentration
Traditional Masters - Choral/Instrumental
The MA.Ed. requires 30-33 hours for the Arts Education traditional master's program in Music Education with concentrations in Choral Music and Instrumental Music. The minimum GPA required for certification is 3.25.
| Requirements | Hours | |
|---|---|---|
| MU 521 | Foundations of Graduate Study in Music | 3 |
| MU 629 | Music Research | 3 |
| Music History | 3 | |
| Music Literature Seminar | ||
| American Music | ||
| Music in World Cultures | ||
| Music Theory | 3 | |
| Modal Counterpoint | ||
| Orchestration | ||
| Form and Analysis | ||
| Contemporary Techniques | ||
| Applied Music (student's field) | 3 | |
| Concert Choir | ||
| Chamber Singers | ||
| Wind Symphony | ||
| Jazz Ensemble | ||
| Private Lessons: Voice | ||
| Private Lessons: Flute | ||
| Private Lessons: Oboe | ||
| Private Lessons: Clarinet | ||
| Private Lessons: Saxophone | ||
| Private Lessons: Bassoon | ||
| Private Lessons: Trumpet | ||
| Private Lessons: French Horn | ||
| Private Lessons: Trombone | ||
| Private Lessons: Euphonium | ||
| Private Lessons: Tuba | ||
| Private Lessons: Percussion | ||
| Private Lessons: Violin | ||
| Private Lessons: Viola | ||
| Private Lessons: Cello | ||
| Private Lessons: Bass | ||
| MU 615 | Technology in Music Instruction | 3 |
| MU 631 | Advanced Methods of Teaching Music N-6 | 3 |
| Choral or Instrumental Music Methods Course | 3 | |
| Advanced Methods of Teaching Secondary Choral Music | ||
| Advanced Methods for Teaching Secondary Instrumental Music | ||
| ECY 600 | Introduction to Exceptional Learner 1 | 3 |
| ALSDE-approved Diversity Course | 3 | |
| Urban Education | ||
| Critical Social Issues in American Education | ||
| Social Movements in Education | ||
| Culture and American Education: Race Class and Gender | ||
| Positive Behavioral Supports | ||
| Teaching ESL in a Multicultural Society | ||
| Advisor-approved Elective | 3 | |
600+ level Education Course | ||
500+ level Music Couse | ||
| Topics in Music Theory | ||
| The Evolution of Jazz | ||
| Independent Studies | ||
| Private Lessons: Piano | ||
| Private Lessons: Guitar | ||
| Total Hours | 33 | |
- 1
ECY 600 required if Survey of Special Education course not completed previously.
Master of Arts in Education in Arts Education with a concentration in Music Education
Alternative Master's Program - Choral/Instrumental
The M.A.Ed. requires a minimum of 46 hours for the Arts Education Fifth Year Alternative Master's program in Music Education with concentrations in Choral Music and Instrumental Music. A minimum GPA of 3.25 is required.
| Requirements | Hours | |
|---|---|---|
| MU 531 | Methods of Teaching Music | 3 |
| EHS 597 | Special Problems in Education: Diversity | 3 |
| EDR 521 | Reading in Content Areas | 1 |
| MU 521 | Foundations of Graduate Study in Music | 3 |
| EPR 511 | Measurement and Evaluation in Education Secondary Ed | 3 |
| Measurement and Evaluation in Education ECE | ||
| ECY 600 | Introduction to Exceptional Learner 1 | 3 |
| EHS 690 | Intern Seminar in Sec Edu | 1 |
| EMU 690 | Internship in Music Education | 6 |
| MU 629 | Music Research | 3 |
| MU 615 | Technology in Music Instruction | 3 |
| Music Theory (choose 3 hours) | 3 | |
| Modal Counterpoint | ||
| Orchestration | ||
| Form and Analysis | ||
| Contemporary Techniques | ||
| Music History (choose 3 hours) | 3 | |
| Music Literature Seminar | ||
| American Music | ||
| Music in World Cultures | ||
| Applied Music (student's field) | 2 | |
| Private Lessons: Voice | ||
| Private Lessons: Flute | ||
| Private Lessons: Oboe | ||
| Private Lessons: Clarinet | ||
| Private Lessons: Saxophone | ||
| Private Lessons: Bassoon | ||
| Private Lessons: Trumpet | ||
| Private Lessons: French Horn | ||
| Private Lessons: Trombone | ||
| Private Lessons: Euphonium | ||
| Private Lessons: Tuba | ||
| Private Lessons: Percussion | ||
| Private Lessons: Violin | ||
| Private Lessons: Viola | ||
| Private Lessons: Cello | ||
| Private Lessons: Bass | ||
| Music Ensemble (student's field) choose 2 hours | 2 | |
| Concert Choir | ||
| Wind Symphony | ||
| Jazz Ensemble | ||
| Total Hours | 39 | |
A concentration is required
| Requirements | Hours | |
|---|---|---|
| Choral Concentration | ||
| MU 532 | Methods I: Choral Music | 3 |
| MU 562 | Methods II: Choral Music | 3 |
| Total Hours | 6 | |
| Requirements | Hours | |
|---|---|---|
| Instrumental | ||
| MU 533 | Methods I: Instrumental Music | 3 |
| MU 563 | Methods II: Instrumental Music | 3 |
| Total Hours | 6 | |
- 1
May not be required if previously completed
EMU-Music Education Courses
EMU 503. Methods Teaching Music N-6 Lab. 1 Hour.
Provides public school observation experiences for music education students. Note: Fees will apply.
EMU 690. Internship in Music Education. 3-9 Hours.
Internship in Music Education. Seminar attendance required.
MU-Music Courses
MU 510. Music Technology Workshop. 1-3 Hour.
MU 521. Foundations of Graduate Study in Music. 3 Hours.
Examines the history and contemporary philosophy of music education in the public schools.
MU 529. Choral Tech and Materials. 3 Hours.
Advanced study of the techniques of choral conducting including appropriate gestures, score study, performance practice, choral diction, voice building for choirs, literature selection, rehearsal techniques and working with various types of instrumental accompaniment.
MU 530. Methods of Instrumental Music. 3 Hours.
A study of the instrumental music environment, with an emphasis on administrative topics, materials and literature.
MU 531. Methods of Teaching Music. 3 Hours.
Teaching music in the elementary school environment. Investigation of critical elements in the teaching and learning process as related to music in grades N-6. Permission of instructor required.
MU 532. Methods I: Choral Music. 3 Hours.
Introduction to teaching choral music to adolescent learners. Developing basic skills in planning, instruction, and assessment.
MU 533. Methods I: Instrumental Music. 3 Hours.
Introduction to teaching instrumental music to adolescent learners. Developing basic skills in planning, instruction, and assessment.
MU 545. Modal Counterpoint. 3 Hours.
Important characteristics of vocal polyphonic writing based on modal scales with emphasis on style of Palestrina and other Renaissance composers.
Prerequisites: MU 322 [Min Grade: C]
MU 548. Orchestration. 3 Hours.
Scoring techniques for orchestra, band, and other instrumental groups.
MU 551. Topics in Music Theory. 3 Hours.
Aspects of music theory and analysis. May be repeated for credit.
Prerequisites: MU 322 [Min Grade: C] and MU 325 [Min Grade: C]
MU 555. Form and Analysis. 3 Hours.
Principles and techniques of organization in tonal music; analytical methods.
Prerequisites: MU 322 [Min Grade: C]
MU 558. Contemporary Techniques. 3 Hours.
Techniques and materials employed in contemporary music, including nonfunctional and nontertian harmony, polyharmony, atonal and serial music, microtones, sound-mass composition, and contemporary notation.
MU 561. Music Literature Seminar. 3 Hours.
Selected topics concerning specific periods, genres, and forms. May be repeated for credit.
MU 562. Methods II: Choral Music. 3 Hours.
Preparation to plan, teach and assess choral music with adolescent learners: making informed decisions about context, learners, learner differences, teaching strategies, methodologies, curricula, and assessment.
Prerequisites: MU 532 [Min Grade: C]
MU 563. Methods II: Instrumental Music. 3 Hours.
Preparation to plan, teach, and assess instrumental music with adolescent learners: making informed decisions about context, learners, learner differences, teaching strategies, methodologies, curricula, and assessment.
Prerequisites: MU 533 [Min Grade: C]
MU 564. American Music. 3 Hours.
Music in the United States from colonial times to the present.
MU 565. The Evolution of Jazz. 3 Hours.
Origins and survey of jazz types and styles. Lectures, recordings, and readings.
Prerequisites: MU 165 [Min Grade: C]
MU 566. Music in World Cultures. 3 Hours.
Characteristics of musical styles found in various cultures throughout the world.
MU 599. Independent Studies. 1-3 Hour.
Directed studies in music. Permission of Department Chair based on written proposal submitted to registration.
MU 615. Technology in Music Instruction. 3 Hours.
Explores ongoing innovations in technology as applied to music instruction.
MU 629. Music Research. 3 Hours.
A study of music research, including both qualitative and quantitative techniques.
MU 631. Advanced Methods of Teaching Music N-6. 3 Hours.
This course engages advanced pedagogical methods and practices for teaching elementary school music.
MU 662. Advanced Methods of Teaching Secondary Choral Music. 3 Hours.
The purpose of this course is to engage the experienced music teacher to delve further into the procedures for operating a successful choral music program in the middle or high school level of public and private school teaching.
MU 663. Advanced Methods for Teaching Secondary Instrumental Music. 3 Hours.
This class is an advanced instrumental methods course focusing on application of the elements of the Education Teacher Performance Assessment (EdTPA), a portfolio-based teacher performance assessment created by the Stanford Center for Assessment Learning and Equity. The course will include advanced content relevant to current best practices and standards for teaching instrumental music.
MUP-Music Courses
MUP 520. Concert Choir. 1 Hour.
Performs choral music representing a variety of periods and styles.
MUP 520L. Concert Choir Learning Lab. 0 Hours.
MUP 521. Chamber Singers. 1 Hour.
Advanced choral group. Performs variety of choral music representing different periods and styles. By audition only. Advanced music-reading skills required. May be repeated for credit.
MUP 535. Wind Symphony. 1-2 Hour.
Performs finest concert band literature. Open to students of all majors. May be repeated for credit.
MUP 535L. Wind Symphony Learning Lab. 0 Hours.
Required Learning Lab for MUP 535 Wind Symphony. Performs finest concert band literature. Open to students of all majors.
MUP 536. Jazz Ensemble. 1 Hour.
Performs classic and contemporary jazz, swing, and rhythm and blues. May be repeated for credit.
MUP 540. Private Lessons: Voice. 1-2 Hour.
Private instruction in voice.
MUP 550. Private Lessons: Piano. 1-2 Hour.
Private instruction in piano.
MUP 561. Private Lessons: Flute. 1-2 Hour.
Private instruction in flute.
MUP 562. Private Lessons: Oboe. 1-2 Hour.
Private instruction in oboe.
MUP 563. Private Lessons: Clarinet. 1-2 Hour.
Private instruction in clarinet.
MUP 564. Private Lessons: Saxophone. 1-2 Hour.
Private instruction in saxophone.
MUP 566. Private Lessons: Bassoon. 1-2 Hour.
Private instruction in bassoon.
MUP 571. Private Lessons: Trumpet. 1-2 Hour.
Private instruction in trumpet.
MUP 572. Private Lessons: French Horn. 1-2 Hour.
Private instruction in french horn.
MUP 573. Private Lessons: Trombone. 1-2 Hour.
Private instruction in trombone.
MUP 574. Private Lessons: Euphonium. 1-2 Hour.
Private instruction in euphonium.
MUP 575. Private Lessons: Tuba. 1-2 Hour.
Private instruction in tuba.
MUP 580. Private Lessons: Percussion. 1-2 Hour.
Private instruction in percussion.
MUP 591. Private Lessons: Violin. 1-2 Hour.
Private instruction in violin.
MUP 592. Private Lessons: Viola. 1-2 Hour.
Private instruction in viola.
MUP 593. Private Lessons: Cello. 1-2 Hour.
Private instruction in cello.
MUP 594. Private Lessons: Bass. 1-2 Hour.
Private instruction in bass.
MUP 595. Private Lessons: Guitar. 1-2 Hour.
Private instruction in guitar.
Faculty
| Brandwein, Craig, Assistant Professor of Music, 2016, B.S., M.A. (Long Island) |
| Cho, Won, Associate Professor of Music, 2011, B.M. (Manhattan), M.M. (Boston), D.M.A. (Memphis) |
| Evans, Patrick, Professor and Chair, 2015, B.M., B.M.E. (Montevallo), M.M., D.M. (Florida State) |
| Fambrough, R. Eugene, Professor of Music, 2001, B.M. (Georgia), M.M. (East Carolina), D.M.A. (Alabama) |
| Fisher, Elizabeth, Visiting Assistant Professor of Music, 2021, B.M.E. (Millikin), M.M. (Westminster Choir College), D.M.A. (Michigan State). |
| Gainey, Denise, Distinguished Professor in Music, 2002, B.M.E. (Florida State), M.M. (North Texas), D.M.A. (Kentucky) |
| Hurst-Wajszczuk, Kristine, Professor of Music, 2007, B.M., M.M. (Westminster Choir-Rider), D.M.A. (Colorado-Boulder) |
| Irving, Howard L., Professor of Music, 1981, B.Mus. (Centenary), M.M., Ph.D. (Louisiana State) |
| Jackson, Reginald, Assistant Professor of Music, 2018, B.S. (Alabama), M.M. (Northwestern), Ph.D. (Florida State) |
| Kasman, Yakov, Distinguished Professor in Music; Artist in Residence, 2002, B.M. (Music College of Moscow Conservatory), M.M., D.M.A. (Moscow State Conservatory) |
| Kittredge, Brian, Associate Professor of Music; Director of Choral Activities, 2010, B.M. (Mansfield), M.M. (Eastman), D.M.A. (LSU) |
| Morantz, Cara, Associate Professor of Music, 2014, B.M. (Miami), M.M., Ed.D. (Georgia) |
| Panion III, Henry, University Professor of Music, 1987, B.S. (Alabama A&M), M.A., Ph.D. (Ohio State) |
| Phillips, Scott L., Associate Professor of Music, 2008, B.A. (Brigham Young), M.A. (Central Florida), Ph.D. (Iowa) |
| Price, William, Professor of Music, 2006, B.M.E. (UNA), M.M., D.M.A. (LSU) |
| Roberts, Steve, Associate Professor of Music, 2007, B.M. (Oberlin), M.M., D.M.A. (Illinois) |
| Wilson, Lara, Assistant Professor of Music, 2021, B.M. (Cincinnati), M.M. (Indiana), D.M.A. (South Carolina) |
| Zingara, James, Professor of Music, 2011, B.S. (Wisconsin-La Crosse), M.M. (East Carolina), D.M.A. (Illinois) |